Matthew “Matt” Willette, age 16, of Gladstone passed away unexpectedly early Monday morning, June 21, 2010.
Matthew was born April 19, 1994 in Escanaba the son of Paul and Marcia (Popour) Willette Jr. He was currently a student at the Escanaba High School. Matthew was a very kind and loving young man who touched the lives of many people. He was a very caring and loving son, brother, and friend. He enjoyed video games, music, hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball, track, and football. He also enjoyed many internet activities. He was never far from a T.V. if a Lion’s game was on. He was also an avid Red Wings, Tigers and Michigan Wolverines fan. He enjoyed anything that got him outside and was a very free spirit. He will be dearly missed by all the lives he enriched.
Matthew is survived by:
His father, Paul (Katrina) Willette Jr. of Gladstone
His mother, Marcia Willette of Marinette, WI
5 brothers, Paul Willette III and Christopher Cole of Marinette, WI; Bryce Ford, Octavius Needles, and Brendan Willette, all of Gladstone
3 sisters, Jillian Willette of Escanaba; Annalisa Ford and Chloe Ford of Gladstone
Maternal Grandparents, Steven (Denise) Popour of Menominee, MI; Alice (Mike) Popour of Holly Hills, FL
Paternal Grandparents, Charmaine (Peter) Ellis of Marquette
Maternal Great Grandmother, Carol (the late Clyde) Fisher of Florida
Numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Close Family Friends
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Paul Willette Sr in 1993 and his paternal great grandfather, Julius Willette.
The Willette family will receive friends on Saturday, June 26 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at theSkradski Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services will follow at 5:00 PM at the funeral home. A luncheon will immediately follow and will be announced at the completion of funeral services. Matthew will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Matthew’s name may be directed to the family for a charity of their choosing.
Anonymous
My heartfelt condolences go out to Matt’s family. He will be sadly missed. I will remember his sweet, calm and quiet,yet mature attitude in our 10th grade English class. He would often smile and greet me in the halls; he was a kind and polite boy. I remember a story he wrote and shared in the beginning of last year about saving someone in need/drowing while swimming. He seemed to care and try to help others. May God bless and comfort your families.
Sincerely,
Rachael Wagner
Escanaba, MI
Matt its been awhile since ive seen you but we had alot of fun times and you will be missed…Paul im sorry this had to happen and if you ever need anything give me a call
David Gray
Gladstone, MI
I am so very sorry for your loss Paul and family. When I worked at Wal-Mart in the Deli I had asked Paul to leave early because my son had a ball game that I wanted to go see. He said “Absolutely, always put your kids first.” I always appreciated his compassion when it came to family. And I wanted to say if Matt was anything like his dad, then I missed out on not ever meeting him. Again, I am so sorry for the loss of your son, brother and friend.
Megan Sharpe
Escanaba, MI
Matt was more than just a wonderful child, he was an amazing, funny, beautiful, outgoing, loving, energetic, and caring person. My husband and I have known him since he was 5 years old. Hes always had such a great attitude and beautiful smile. Matt and his brother Paul are the reason my husband and I decided to have children. My husband is Matthew’s Godfather. He is currently deployed to Iraq and is unable to come home to say goodbye. Matthew was such a wonderful child that he made us want one of our own. We both miss him very much and wish we had you here to tell you how amazing you are. You will be missed and we both love you very much.
Love,
Uncle Tee and Auntie Nikki
Colorado Springs, CO
I am so very sorry for your loss. The pain of losing a child is devastating, to say the least. I hold you in my thoughts and prayers, and if you need anything, even a simple shoulder, don’t hesitate to ask.
Take care and stay safe.
Nikki P. (Walmart)
Escanaba, MI
Matt was a great Math student. I always looked forward to sixth hour when he would come in from another class to ask a question about the day’s homework. Then he would proceed to help the rest of the class with their homework. I was sure he was going to be a teacher one day.He had a calmness and maturity that I have rarely seen in my career of teaching teenagers. You have my deepest condolences.
Amanda Gibbons
Iron Mountain, MI
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this terrible time. I can’t begin to imagine what it feels like to have your own child go before you in life. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to let me know. I love you all & I’m here any time, day or night!
Danielle N. Brown
Escanaba, MI
I am deeply saddened about the passing of Matt. I know how difficult this must be for you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Matt was a very thoughtful and polite young man. I always thought it was funny that after all these years, they (Matt & Paulie)would still called me “Uncle” Jerry even though we were not related. If there is anything I can do, please feel free to call!
Jerry Johnson
Escanaba, MI
My heart goes out to Paul Willette and his family. I know what it feels like to have a child proceed you in death. It is the most painful thing you can imagine. I hope that you find comfort in family and friends, the people who love you. I had a difficult time dealing with my own son’s untimely death. I heard Mathew had his problems but haven’t we all at that difficult age. From everyone I have spoken to says he was one of the most caring and fun people to be around. His contribution to his family, friends, and his community will never be forgotten. May he have eternal peace.
Brian J. Paulin
Niagara, WI
Bryce Ford - Chehalis, WA
Matt was the best brother I could ever ask for. He helped me get through many rough times. He will always be in my thoughts and my heart every step i take. Me and my siblings will always remember who he was and how much he means to us. He was a friend to many people who cared so much about him. Matt will and always be remembered as the best big brother any person could ever ask for.
Anonymous - Napavine, WA
What to say about Matt well I know many people miss him and cry when they think about all of the memories they cry from sadness but the thing is I didn’t cry when I found out he had passed in fact I didn’t go to his funeral because he had done the most awful things to me but apparently I got to see a side of him no one else seemed to get to see